EUGENE, Ore. — The Lane Transit District participated in Earth Day festivities by providing free service throughout the day, including a shuttle to the Earth Day Celebration at EWEB.

The transit service says that taking the bus instead of driving can reduce the amount of carbon a person puts into the atmosphere by up to 32,000 pounds a year.

In addition to the environmental benefits, LTD says public transportation can help reduce traffic.

“If you can take the bus instead, that’s fewer cars on the road, less congestion, and less demand on parking. Particularly in areas where parking might be a problem, it really solves that problem,” said Ron Kilcoyne, LTD General Manager.

LTD also says that less cars on the road would greatly improve the air quality in Lane County.